Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Tethered Hand Tool
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to tethering of tools and more particularly to
the
placement of a retraction mechanism allowing for the useful tethering of a
tool to the
operator or to some other selected anchor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Operators of hand tools frequently spend time in search of the location and
proper
orientation of these hand tools. In the performance of their various tasks,
operators of hand
tools may be mobile, traveling between several locations, and moving between
various
surfaces surrounding the operator. The operator may also be distracted by
having several
different tools on a work surface.
Many existing hand tool organization and retention devices have been created
in an
effort to decrease this search time and thereby maximizing the productivity of
the operator.
One such pre-existing device is a tool belt allowing the operator of the hand
tools to have
these tools readily available as his work locations change. Tools belts keep
tools organized
and each tool is kept in a known orientation. An enhancement to this useful
invention is a
tethering mechanism preventing the tool from getting too far from the operator
and
automatically returning to a known position on the operator. The tether
precludes the tool
from falling too far away from the operator as could happen at elevated
heights, and may
reduce the time required for the operator to return the tool to a known
position.
A common feature of many preexisting tethering mechanisms is that they have
the
retracting mechanism for the tether located at the end attached to the
operator. The space
required for the retracting mechanism limits the number of such tethered tools
available to
an operator. In addition, special care must be taken to prevent the jamming of
the tether
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during the retraction process because the orientation of the tool with respect
to the retracting
mechanism may be changing as the tool moves closer to the retractor.
A few preexisting tools have a retractor mechanism coupled to the tool rather
than
the user or other support structure. However, the location of the retractor
mechanism is often
inconvenient, and a poorly positioned retractor mechanisms can interfere with
easy use of
the tool.
What is needed is a tethered hand tool incorporating a retractable tether
mechanism
that is positioned in a location that does not interfere with the easy use of
the tool. It may
also be desirable for the tool to include apparatus for controlling the
retraction of the tool
located on the tool for easy one handed access by the user.
SU1VIMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention includes a tethering apparatus for use with hand tools in which
the
apparatus is adapted to be attached to, or incorporated into, the hand tool
and having the
opposite end of a tether adapted for attachment to an operator or support
structure. Like pre-
existing tethers, the invention can prevent a hand tool from getting too far
from the operator
and may automatically return a tool to a known position on the operator or
structure to which
the tool is tethered.
In one embodiment, the hand tool built according to the invention comprises
two
lever arms, with the first and second lever arms each having a gripping jaw
end, a handle
end, and a first pivot point intermediate between the gripping jaw end and the
handle end.
The lever arms are pivotally coupled at the pivot points with a pivot member
including a
retraction assembly positioned within the pivot of the hand tool. In some
embodiments, the
pivot member may function as a pivot pin.
In another embodiment, the pivot member including the retractor assembly may
be
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fixed to one of the lever arms, with only the other lever arm pivoting around
the pivot
member.
The retractor assembly generally includes a tether that has a free end that
can be
extended a desired length from the retractor. The free end generally will
include a coupling
device to couple to the user or to an anchor structure. Virtually any known
coupling device
may be used. The retractor assembly also includes a retraction mechanism for
drawing the
tether into the retractor assembly. Many kinds of retractor mechanisms are
useable in the
invention.
In some embodiments, the tethering apparatus may be modified to allow a
locking
mechanism for the tether. Such a mechanism allows for the operator to use the
tool without
exerting a counter force against the retracting mechanism during tool usage.
When done, the
operator disengages the locking mechanism. As an alternative to the locking
mechanism, a
ratchet mechanism may be substituted which would allow the tool to be extended
away for
the anchor point, but would not allow a potentially uncontrolled retraction
back toward the
user. One embodiment of a ratchet mechanism would require the operator to
disengage the
ratchet mechanism and hold the mechanism disengage while the tool retracted.
In another embodiment, the retraction mechanism may be configured so that the
tension applied to the tether varies as the tether is unwound from the
retraction mechanism.
For example, the tension may be high when the tool are near the coupling
device attached to
the operator in order to prevent the pliers from bouncing on the tether when
the operator is
walking. The tension may fall as the tool is moved away from the coupling
device in order
to reduce resistance to the operators handling and use of the pliers.
LIST OF DRAWINGS:
A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to
the
accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts in the
several views and in
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wluch:
FIG.1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the tethered tool according
to
the present invention
FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the tool according to the present
invention
FIG. 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the tool.
FIG.4 shows an exploded, perspective view showing the major functional
components of an embodiment of the tool.
FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view taken on a plane formed by lines 5-5 of FIG.
4.
FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of a pliers type tool built according to
the
presentinvention
FIG. 7 shows another alternate embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Built in accord with the present invention is a tethering apparatus for use
with hand
tools in which the apparatus is adapted to be attached to, or incorporated
into, the hand tool
and having the opposite end of a tether adapted for attachment to an operator
or to a selected
anchoring structure. Like pre-existing tethers, the invention can prevent a
hand tool from
getting too far from the operator and may automatically return a tool to a
known position on
the operator or to a structure to which the tool is tethered. However, the
embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein represent an improvement over preexisting tethering
mechanisms
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A common disadvantage of pre-existing tethering mechanisms is that they have
the
retracting mechanism for the tether located at the end attached to the
operator. Whereas, the
present invention instead provides the retraction mechanism at the hand tool
end. This
different configuration provides unexpected and surprising benefits including
but not limited
to the following. (1) The space required for coupling the tethered hand tool
to the operator
or to the selected support structure is smaller than that required in pre-
existing designs. (2)
Placing the retraction mechanism on the tools allows easy manipulation of the
mechanism
with the same hand holding the tool, without removing ones hand from the tool.
Specifically, controls for locking means, and retraction brakes controls, can
be placed in
close proximity to the handle on the tool and can thus be engaged or activated
while holding
the tool. (3) The position of the retraction mechanism can be selected on the
tool so that the
hand tool always retracts to a same orientation when moved from a functional
position to the
storage position. (4) As no retraction mechanism is required on the end
opposite the tool.
Thus, a larger selection of coupling devices can be used, including coupling
devices that
might otherwise interfere with the operation of a retraction mechanism, is
such retraction
mechanism was positioned on the end of the tether opposite the tool.
Referring to the figures, a preferred embodiment will be described as an
example of
the design and operation of the invention. FIGS. 1 through 5 disclose a pair
of pliers,
designed for removing fish hooks, incorporating a tether and retraction
mechanism of the
invention. FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of a pliers type tool built
according to the
present invention, and FIG. 7 is another alternate embodiment of the
invention. However,
operators of hand tools, and those skilled in the art, will find the
usefulness of this invention
as it is applied to many different hand tools and any and all such hand tools
should be
considered within the scope of this invention. In addition to hand tools, in
alternate
embodiments virtually any hand held object including but not limited to
cameras, garden
tools, tape measures, wallets, and key rings may include a retraction
mechanism according to
the invention. The selection of the item to include the retractor, the
coupling means, the
retraction mechanism, and the configuration of the tether used can be easily
made by those
skilled in the art.
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Turning to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a pliers type tool 21 is shown including
a
retractor assembly 13 adapted to be included in the pivot of the pliers type
hand tool 21, a
tether 17 attached to the retractor 13, and coupling device 20 at the opposite
end of the tether
17 allowing for attachment to the operator of the tool 21, or to a selected
support structure.
The retractor assembly 13, the tether 17, and the coupling device 20 may be
collectively
referred to as the tether apparatus. A large variety of materials may be used
in the
manufacture of the tool 21, and one skilled in the art can easily select
appropriate materials.
In many conventional preexisting tethered tools, the retractor assembly
resides at the
end of the tether associated with the operator. Even if the retractor
configuration is reversed
and attached to the tool, the bulk of the retractor assembly may hinder
operation of the tool.
However, in the novel embodiment shown in FIG. l, this disadvantage is avoided
as the
retractor assembly 13 is incorporated into the larger, outer circumference of
the pivot, which
is present and otherwise required for the operation of the pliers tool 21.
Thus, it is apparent
that the bulk associated with the tether apparatus of the invention is less
burdensome than the
bulk of some preexisting tethering systems.
Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of the pliers 21 is shown. The pliers tool 21
includes
first and second lever arms 11 and 12 pivotally coupled around a pivot
comprising the
retractor assembly 13. The lever arms 11 and 12 include first and second
gripping jaws 15
and 16 respectively at one end, and first and handle portions 1 ~ and 19, and
intermediate
pivot rings 36 and 37 (best seen in FIG. 4). In the embodiment shown in the
figures, lever
arm 11 includes a channel 10 formed in the handle portion 1 ~ of lever arm 11,
used to guide
the tether 17 through he handle portion 1 ~ in order to keep the tether 17
from interfering with
the handling of the tool 21. In alternate embodiments, the channel may be in
the form of a
lumen or bore, rather than a slot as shown in the FIGS. In still other
alternate embodiments,
the channel 10 may be removed. FIG. 3 is a top view of the pliers 21.
FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the pliers tool 21. The pivot rings 22 and
23 of
the lever arms are configured to accept the housing 14 of the retractor
assembly 13. The
tether 33 is wound around a spool 30 with one end extending from the housing
14 through
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the channel space 10 in lever arm 11, and is attached to a coupling device 20,
best seen in
FIGS. 1-3. The retractor spring 32, provides the spring force required to
automatically
rewind tether 33 back onto spool 30 when the operator has completed using the
pliers type
tool 21. Figure 4 also shows an optional sharpening stone 35 that fits in a
portion of the arm
11 configured to received the sharpening stone 35. The sharpening stone 35
maybe used to
sharpen items such as fishhooks or knives.
Retainer cover 24 provides containment for the retraction mechanism and
protection
from foreign particles from entering said mechanism. Fastener 34, secures the
housing 14
and the retainer cover 24 together allowing the other discussed parts of the
retractor
assembly 13 to remain in their proper position. Fastener 34 may be a screw,
rivet, or other
selected fastener.
FIG. 5. Is a cross sectional view of the retractor assembly 13 of FIG. 2 taken
along
lines 5-5. As seen, there is a channel in spool 30 allowing for the winding of
tether 33 along
its outer circumference. In this preferred embodiment, the retraction spring
32 is located on
the opposite side of the tether on spool 30. The spool is allowed to rotate on
the shaft 38 of
housing 14.
One embodiment of a retractor assembly 13 has been described. In some other
embodiments the housing of the retractor assembly 13 may be non-pivotally
fixed to one
lever arm, with only the other lever arm rotating around the housing 14. Also,
many other
configurations of the described retractor assembly 13, and many other known
retractor
mechanisms may be useable by one skilled in the art, and those skilled in the
art can readily
select other known retractor mechanism that flt within the pivot of the hand
tool 21.
A coupling apparatus is attached to the free end of the tether 17. The
coupling
apparatus allows for the flexible attachment of the pliers tool 21 to, for
example, a boat, a
tackle box, or to the user. FIG. 1 shows a simple hook, and FIGS, 2-6 show a
piston hook.
However, many kinds of coupling apparatus may be easily selected and used by
one skilled
in the art.
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An enhancement to this embodiment includes connector 23, which allows the end
of
the tether to be removed form the piston hook 22 and attached to some other
selected
coupling device. This allows for the operator to employ a different attachment
means that
may be dependent on the type of surface to which the pliers 21 are to be
attacked. For
example, the piston hook could remain attached to a boat when connector 23 is
detached,
then the connector 23 could be attached to a hook on the operator's belt. This
feature allows
the pliers 21 to be easily and quickly moved between attachment locations as
the operator
may desire.
In still another alternate embodiment, the tethering apparatus 13 may be
modified to
allow a tether retraction control mechanism such as a locking mechanism, brake
mechanism,
or ratchet mechanism, which allows for the operator to use the tool 21 without
exerting a
counter force on the retractor the retractor assembly while using the tool 21.
These
mechanisms allow the tool 21 to be extended away for the anchor point, but
would not allow
a potentially uncontrolled retraction back toward the user. Such mechanisms
are known in
the art and may be easily adapted by one skilled in the art for use in the
invention. In one
embodiment, the tether retraction control mechanism may require the operator
to disengage
the mechanism and hold the mechanism disengage while the tool 21 is retracted.
In another alternate embodiment, the retraction mechanism 13 may be configured
so
that the tension applied to the tether 17 varies as the tether 17 is unwound
from the retraction
mechanism 13. For example, the tension may be high when the pliers 21 are near
the
coupling device 20 attached to the operator in order to prevent the pliers 21
from bouncing
on the tether 17 when the operator is walking. The tension may fall as the
pliers 21 are
moved away form the coupling device 20 in order to reduce resistance to the
operators
handling and use of the pliers 21.
Virtually any kind of hand tool can be configured and used in an alternate
embodiment of this invention without departing materially from the teachings
of this
invention. Those skilled in the art can readily provide the adaptations
required for inserting
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the tethering assembly 13 within such tools. An example of the retractor of
the invention
used on another kind of tool is seen in FIG. 7, which shows a carpet knife 40
incorporating a
retractor 41. The button 42 is used to extend the knife blade 43 for use, but
preferably also
simultaneously activates a brake to prevent the tether 17 from retracting
while the knife
blade 43 is extended.
In use, the operator grabs tool 21 and extends the tool to its proper
position. The
unwinding tether 17 moves through channel 10 located in handle portion 18. The
operator
extends the tool 21 to the position for it to be useful and upon finishing the
task, allows the
tool 21 to be retracted to its storage location.
Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in detail
above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional
modifications are
possible without departing materially from the novel teachings and advantages
of the
invention. For example, a different body attachment mechanism might support
the tool
directly without the need for the retracting force to support the tool in the
retracted position.
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